Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Porto

Porto is a beautiful coastal city in Portugal known for its port wine. A place where one enjoys long seafood lunches and strolls along the riverfront. For those seeking a relatively lesser known European destination that hasn't yet been overrun with tourists.

DAY ONE

Breakfast at Majestic CafeThis is where J.K. Rowling spent her days writing the first Harry Potter book. Order the port french toast to go with your morning coffee.

Walk the streetsOn Rua de Santa Catarina stands the beautiful blue and white azulejo-clad Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls). Another one to check out for the beautiful exterior is Igreja Santo Ildefonso, an 18th-century church.

Lunch at Casa GuedesGet in line at this local family-run snack bar and order the sandes depernil (roast pork roll). THE place for a quick satisfying bite to eat.

Visit the São Bento Railway StationOne would not usually think a train station is an attraction, however, the walls at São Bento Station are decorated with over 20,000 azulejo tiles dating back to 1905. Definitely the most beautiful train station I've ever seen!

Explore Riberia Square along Douro RiverStroll along the riverfront in the late afternoon and take in the atmosphere of one of the oldest parts of town, with its cobblestone laneways and medieval buildings. Grab a drink at one of the many cafes and watch the sunset.

Dinner at Ostras e CoisasFor seafood lovers out there, this modern minimalist eatery serves the most delicious Mozambique style prawns.

DAY TWO

Breakfast at Confeitaria do BolhãoIt is totally acceptable to devour pastries for breakfast in Porto, so do as the locals do at this 120-year-old patisserie.

Visit Livraria LelloSaid to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world with its intricate wood panelling and grand curving staircase. This place inspired the magic of J.K. Rowling's Hogwarts.

Lunch at Salta O MuroGet the tram or an uber to the seaside town of Matosinhos and sample home-style cooked seafood in this no-frills restaurant. Order grilled fish and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).

Enjoy the ocean breeze at Praia da LuzGrab a spot right next to the beach and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this outdoor cafe.

Take in contemporary art at SerravlesWalk the grounds of Serralves and you'll find a Contemporary Art Museum (the most visited museum in all of Portugal), park and Casa de Serravles Villa, considered to be one of the best examples of Art Deco in Portugal.

Port Tasting at Taylor'sYou can't leave Porto without tasting its signature dessert wine. Head to Taylor's, founded in the 1600s where you can tour the cellars, taste 3 types of wine and enjoy them in their garden. Head next door to The Yeatman Hotel for a sunset tipple over Porto city.